Israel Adesanya: The Unmatched Middleweight Striker of MMA

Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya has risen to the pinnacle of mixed martial arts (MMA) as one of the most dynamic and technically skilled strikers in the sport. With a background in kickboxing and an impressive undefeated run in the UFC’s middleweight division (until his recent challenges), Adesanya’s journey to greatness is marked by his precise striking, elusive movement, and the ability to adapt to various opponents. In this article, we’ll explore his early career, key fights, fighting style, and what sets him apart as an elite striker in the middleweight division.

Early Career and Background

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1989, Israel Adesanya moved to New Zealand with his family at a young age. His early interest in combat sports led him to pursue a career in kickboxing, where he quickly made a name for himself. Adesanya’s kickboxing record, which includes over 75 wins, provided him with a solid foundation for transitioning to MMA in 2012.

Adesanya’s early MMA career was marked by dominance on the regional circuit, where his kickboxing pedigree overwhelmed opponents who lacked the ability to handle his striking finesse. His diverse cultural background and experience living in New Zealand also played a role in shaping his mentality, making him both a calculated fighter and a charismatic personality outside the octagon.

UFC Breakthrough and Undefeated Streak

Israel Adesanya entered the UFC in 2018 with a perfect MMA record, and his debut at UFC 221 against Rob Wilkinson showcased his ability to manage distance, land clean strikes, and finish fights with precision. Adesanya’s early UFC performances, including victories over Brad Tavares and Derek Brunson, demonstrated his superiority as a striker, propelling him toward the top of the middleweight division.

His defining moment came in 2019 when he fought Kelvin Gastelum for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 236. The back-and-forth war is considered one of the greatest middleweight fights in UFC history. Adesanya displayed resilience and striking creativity, earning a unanimous decision victory and securing his place among the elite. Later that year, Adesanya unified the title by defeating Robert Whittaker in a spectacular second-round knockout at UFC 243.

Adesanya’s Striking Style: A Masterclass in Precision

What makes Adesanya a feared opponent is his ability to combine technical brilliance with an unorthodox style. His kickboxing background allows him to strike from various angles with a variety of weapons — punches, kicks, elbows, and knees — all delivered with pinpoint accuracy. His striking game is not just about power but timing and distance control. He excels at creating openings with feints, setting traps, and capitalizing on the smallest mistakes made by his opponents.

Adesanya’s footwork is another hallmark of his striking dominance. His ability to move in and out of range, maintain distance, and evade strikes makes it extremely difficult for opponents to close the distance or land clean shots. This movement, paired with his height and reach advantages, makes Adesanya a puzzle many fighters in the middleweight division struggle to solve.

Another unique aspect of Adesanya’s striking is his ability to fight both offensively and defensively with equal proficiency. He can pressure opponents and land shots while retreating, luring them into dangerous exchanges. His use of head movement and angles makes him elusive, and he rarely absorbs significant damage, even in prolonged exchanges.

Notable Fights and Rivalries

Throughout his UFC career, Adesanya has faced some of the toughest and most skilled fighters in the division. His victory over former champion Anderson Silva in 2019 was a passing-of-the-torch moment, where the striking legend Silva faced the new era’s elite striker. Despite Silva being past his prime, Adesanya showed immense respect and caution, showcasing his tactical IQ by controlling the fight and winning decisively.

One of his most talked-about rivalries is with Brazilian powerhouse Paulo Costa. Adesanya’s fight with Costa at UFC 253 was highly anticipated, given Costa’s aggressive, forward-pressing style. Many believed Costa’s pressure would overwhelm Adesanya, but “The Last Stylebender” picked Costa apart with surgical precision. Adesanya’s leg kicks weakened Costa early, and his counterpunching finished the fight via TKO in the second round, cementing Adesanya’s place as one of the best strikers in MMA history.

Challenges and Losses

Despite his unmatched prowess in the middleweight division, Adesanya faced challenges when stepping up to the light heavyweight division. His fight against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259 for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship resulted in his first MMA loss. Blachowicz utilized a smart game plan, mixing striking with grappling, and took advantage of Adesanya’s lighter frame to control him on the ground. Although Adesanya lost via unanimous decision, he handled the defeat with grace, and it showcased his willingness to challenge himself.

More recently, Adesanya has faced fierce competition in the middleweight division, including rematches with Robert Whittaker and Marvin Vettori. His fight against Alex Pereira, a former kickboxing rival, ended with Adesanya losing the middleweight title in a dramatic fashion at UFC 281, showing that even the most elite strikers can be caught by the smallest of margins. However, Adesanya’s ability to rebound from setbacks, combined with his relentless work ethic, suggests that his legacy is far from over.

Legacy and Influence on MMA

Israel Adesanya has already solidified his place as one of the greatest middleweight fighters in UFC history. His striking abilities are considered the gold standard for any fighter aspiring to reach the top of the division. Beyond his technical skills, Adesanya’s persona, media presence, and connection with fans have made him a global superstar.

Adesanya’s legacy extends beyond the octagon as well. He has been a strong advocate for fighters’ rights and has openly spoken about mental health, racism, and other important issues, using his platform to raise awareness. His cultural influence as a Nigerian-born New Zealander who has achieved global success also serves as inspiration to athletes around the world.

The Road Ahead

With many exciting matchups still available in the middleweight division and the potential for more blockbuster fights in the light heavyweight category, Israel Adesanya’s career remains one of the most anticipated in MMA. His technical mastery, charisma, and constant evolution as a fighter keep him at the forefront of the sport. Whether reclaiming the middleweight belt or seeking new challenges in different weight classes, Adesanya’s story is far from finished.